SUMMER Courses 2026   

Enjoy a look into the world of geocaching as we learn and explore the nooks and crannies of this wonderful hobby! We'll go to a few local geocaching hotspots and then create a OLLI geocache for the UAH campus. Sunscreen and adventuring readiness highly recommended. 

Join us for a series of four classes exploring the multifaceted life and enduring American legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, one of America’s most dynamic presidents. Looking at his adventurous spirit as a frontier cattleman, his heroics as a soldier, his groundbreaking domestic policies and foreign diplomacy as president and his own dangerous personal adventures, we will examine the formative experiences that shaped his character and politics. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to TR’s story, these classes will hopefully inspire and enlighten!
 

If you bought a nice digital camera, but you've been shooting in auto mode because you are not comfortable with manual settings or post-processing, this is the course for you. Bring your own camera, or borrow one from the instructor, and we will step you through how to take your photography to the next level. The course will explore focus, exposure (aperture, speed, ISO), raw file format, and post-processing in Lightroom.

Tetra-Pak Printmaking is an eco-friendly introduction to intaglio-style printmaking using recycled beverage cartons. In this hands-on course, students will draw directly into prepared Tetra-Pak plates, ink the surface, and print rich, velvety impressions on fine paper. We’ll explore line quality, texture, and simple layering techniques while learning how to edition small prints. This process is affordable, accessible, and perfect for creative experimentation. No experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to play. Students will leave with finished prints and the confidence to continue printing at home.

Do you have a box full of broken jewelry? Maybe you collected beads over the years? Now is your chance to make drop earrings using recycled elements. This course will show you how to combine commercially available jewelry findings with your treasures to make several custom designs.  We will also make some wire components to use with your beads to enhance your earrings or a simple bracelet.   
 

This course will draw on the instructor’s travel experience and include destinations, travel planning, packing, attitude, preparation, local tours, and anecdotes. Highlights will include airports to avoid or seek, advantages of group travel, selection of a travel agent—or not, sources for individual travel, and general information.
 

This course will draw on the instructor’s travel experience and include destinations, travel planning, packing, attitude, preparation, local tours, and anecdotes. Highlights will include airports to avoid or seek, advantages of group travel, selection of a travel agent—or not, sources for individual travel, and general information.
 

Does talking about politics stress you out? Difficulty discussing divisive topics can create strain on relationships, while increasing political polarization impacts emotional well-being and community connection. This interactive workshop provides a supportive space to explore how we communicate across political and ideological divides. Participants will examine common thinking patterns that contribute to polarization and learn evidence-based skills for listening, speaking, and engaging in dialogue that builds understanding rather than conflict.

This workshop offers two great sessions. First, a gentle, practical introduction to plant-based eating. Participants will learn how to build balanced meals using whole plant foods, along with simple strategies for grocery shopping, meal planning, and food preparation. Second,reimagine classic comfort foods with a nourishing, health-focused approach. Participants will learn how to prepare familiar dishes using whole plant ingredients that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote wellness. 

Designed for both beginner and avid home gardeners, this in-depth tour will provide insight into our time-tested growing methods and processes. Topics covered include soil and garden preparation, irrigation setup and water management, ground cloth selection and plant spacing, plant netting and support techniques, choosing the best flowers for our growing area, seed starting and propagation methods, fertilization and soil health, and flower drying and pressing techniques. 

Learn the basics of 3D printing and designing in this hands-on workshop! This course covers how 3D printing works, resources for locating models, software options for designing your own models, and how to turn your digital model into a finished 3D object. We'll also cover what 3D printing resources OLLI members have access to through the Salmon Library.  No prior experience necessary. Please bring a laptop or tablet with you if possible; a small number of both will also be available.   

Journey into New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment with both curiosity and heart. In this lively, travel-log-inspired course, we’ll explore Taos, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque through stories of land, light, art, faith, food, and living traditions. Along the way, you’ll discover sacred spaces, creative communities, and must-see places that speak to both spirit and senses. With personal reflections, practical travel insights, and hands-on “show and tell” from a curated art collection, this course invites you to travel more deeply—listening not just to guidebooks, but to the quiet wisdom of place.

Ever wondered about the weird and wacky ways that animals seem to attract their mates? Well, look no farther, because during this presentation we will deep dive into the crazy world of animal courtship and talk about the strangest ways that animals find their better half. We might even practice some of the craziest moves.... just kidding. Maybe.  

Ever wondered about the weird and wacky ways that animals seem to attract their mates? Well, look no farther, because during this presentation we will deep dive into the crazy world of animal courtship and talk about the strangest ways that animals find their better half. We might even practice some of the craziest moves.... just kidding. Maybe.  

In this course, we will explore operas that were written in the English language. From Baroque composer Henry Purcell to today's Terrence Blanchard, we'll learn about interesting composers and librettists, great stories of the operas and amazing music. The excuse that "I don't understand Italian" is no longer an excuse to not love opera!
 

Alabama Heritage magazine is celebrating 40 years of preserving and sharing the state’s history, marked by major growth in digital media and community engagement. Over the past year, the organization expanded its multimedia reach, earned multiple awards, and strengthened its role in statewide cultural and scholarly initiatives. Hear about the magazine’s initiatives as it celebrates its 2026 anniversary milestone.

This series on American presidential assassinations will provide a critical examination of the darker aspects of America that not only altered the course of history but also profoundly influenced the nation's political landscape. As we explore the motivations behind these murders and the subsequent national responses, we will delve into the intricate interplay between individual assassins, their political ideology and the broader historical context to hopefully gain some understanding of how these tragedies have affected our national political scene.
 

Known as the “Great Emancipator," Abraham Lincoln personally hated the institution of slavery, but, as the consummate politician and constitutionalist, had long questioned how best to deal with it. This course will trace some of his more memorable speeches from 1837 to 1863 as he struggled to come to grips with the essential problem that was tearing the Union apart. Through his words, this course will help us trace his evolution of thought.
 

Known as the “Great Emancipator," Abraham Lincoln personally hated the institution of slavery, but, as the consummate politician and constitutionalist, had long questioned how best to deal with it. This course will trace some of his more memorable speeches from 1837 to 1863 as he struggled to come to grips with the essential problem that was tearing the Union apart. Through his words, this course will help us trace his evolution of thought.
 

Participants will learn the ins and outs of baking perfect pound cakes and how you can create your own unique flavor blends. This course includes a demonstration of mixing and baking pound cakes in a kitchen, as well as discussion on recreating old-time favorites, and experimenting with new flavor blends.

It's never too late to learn to dance! Get in line to learn several popular line dances to a wide variety of music. Each line dance has its own repeating sequence of steps danced in unison. No dance experience or partner needed.

This workshop offers two great sessions. First of all, learn the healing power of simple, one-pot meals that support immunity, digestion, and overall wellness. Participants will learn how to create nutrient-dense soups using whole plant foods, herbs, and anti-inflammatory ingredients that are easy to prepare and gentle on the body. Secondly, we focus on preparing nutrient-rich snacks that support energy, strength, and healthy aging. Participants will learn how to create simple, plant-based snacks using whole foods that provide fiber, protein, and key nutrients for bone and muscle health. 

At present, there are more than 50 new reactors being designed in the United States. More new reactors are being built than at any time in the last three decades. Other nations are following suit. Learn about the growth of nuclear power and the technology worldwide. 

This class guides students through creating a book from scratch, covering writing, design and self-publishing. Drawing on my experience publishing my first book through Quantum Publishing, UK and subsequently creating three self-published books from start to finish, I explain how I developed, produced and independently published a complete, professional-quality book.

This course will explain how portions of the Gulf Coast--a colonial domain once held by three European powers--ended up being divided as it was between the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

The vast majority of headaches, security issues, tech expenditures, and e-waste are preventable! The instructor will de-mystify and explain the IT industry in plain English. Some topics that will be discussed include: The core components of a computer/tablet, why antivirus software is obsolete, why software becomes more complicated every day, proper backup, and how to make almost any computer last 15 years.
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Join us at Botanica Huntsville for a terrarium class you won't want to miss! Get a guided step by step of how to build the perfect tiny garden of your dreams! Supplies provided and included in price of the class.